A teenager was jailed after a spree of "moped-enabled" thefts.

A 16-year-old boy from the NW2 area, who can not be named for legal reasons, was jailed on July 12 for 14 months' youth detention after pleading guilty to 16 offences.

The court heard the youth, who was armed with a knife, snatched three mobile phones and attempted to take two others during two sprees across central London.

The two spates of thefts, which took place on April 24 and April 27, when the offender was 15, were carried out on stolen scooters.

The teenager also admitted to 11 other offences including possessing a knife, aggravated vehicle taking and traffic offences.

PC Daisy Mather, said: "This youth was responsible for a large number of snatches while armed with a knife.

"I am delighted we have been able to take him off the streets as I have no doubt he would have continued his spree had he not been caught.

"Our work to tackle ‘moped-enabled’ robberies continues and we are committed to reducing these types of offences."

One victim, a 40-year-old man, held on to his phone and took a picture of the teenager on his phone after an attempted theft at 12.15pm on April 27 in Hyde Park Square.

The victim argued with the teenager after the unsuccessful theft, who then pulled out a knife before making off from the scene.